Another newbie question - specific gravity too high

[CliveB]

Hello all, I'm wondering if anyone can help me. I was given a Milestone brewing kit (Lions Pride 4%) for my birthday and am valiently trying to achieve my first brew. I've followed all the instructions - hopefully correctly - and started my fermentation off 10 days ago. The head settled down and fermentation seemed to have stopped after about 6 days. However, when I checked the specific gravity it was around 1020, rather than the 1009 per the instructions. Another day and no change so I did a gentle stir with the paddle as per the instructions. 3 days later I'm still stuck at about 1018.

The bucket is in a sunny centrally heated room and although the temp may drop a bit at night, I don't think it's ever been much below the 17c required.

Unfortunately I didn't take measurement at the start so I can't tell the original gravity - beginner's ignorance I'm afraid.

What I want to know is is there something wrong with the brew process or should I ignore the high sg and move on to the barrelling stage ? any other suggestions or comments very welcome

 

[tubby_shaw]

What I want to know is is there something wrong with the brew process or should I ignore the high sg and move on to the barrelling stage ?

The instruction supplied with kits are in the main generic
Different beers will finish at different gravities and although 1.018 is a little on the high side it will be fine :thumb:
Go ahead and barrel it :thumb:

 

[jonewer]

Stuck ferments with kits are common.

I think the consensus is that its due to a lack of vitamins and minerals for the yeast, as well as inferior yeast strains. Try adding some yeast nutrient for your next brew and/or buy some better yeast and use that instead.

 

[CliveB]

thanks both of you for your comments ....... I guess if it sticks at this level I'm going to have something a bit sweeter and less alcohilic than intended......let's hope it's still drinkable or I'm going to be back on the Pedigree for while longer